Destination guide
Travel vaccines for Namibia
Etosha, Sossusvlei dunes and the Skeleton Coast — here's what UK travellers are usually advised before visiting Namibia, including malaria in the north and the Yellow Fever certificate rule.
Overview
What vaccinations do I need for Namibia?
Namibia is a self-drive and safari favourite. A few travel vaccinations are recommended, malaria matters in the north (including Etosha and the Zambezi Region), and Namibia strictly enforces the Yellow Fever certificate rule for travellers arriving from a risk country.
The recommendations below are a general guide based on UK travel health advice. We'll confirm exactly what you need at a short consultation.
Plan ahead
Book 4–6 weeks before you fly
Some vaccines need more than one dose, and malaria tablets may need starting before you travel, so aim for 4–6 weeks ahead. Travelling sooner? Come in anyway — there's almost always something we can do.
Recommended vaccinations
Vaccines commonly advised for Namibia
Grouped by how often they're recommended. Your personal list is confirmed at consultation. Vaccine guidance is based on public health information from TravelHealthPro (UKHSA/NaTHNaC).
Hepatitis A
Most travellers
Spread through contaminated food and water — advised for most trips.
Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio
Most travellers
A combined booster is recommended if you're not up to date.
Typhoid
Some travellers
Advised for many travellers, especially outside main lodges and towns.
Yellow Fever (+ certificate)
Certificate rule
No yellow fever in Namibia, but a certificate is required — and strictly checked — if you arrive from a risk country. We issue it if needed.
Hepatitis B
Some travellers
Advised for longer stays, healthcare work, or possible medical/dental treatment.
Rabies
Some travellers
Considered for longer or remote self-drive trips where help is far away.
Malaria & mosquitoes
Malaria in Namibia
Malaria risk in Namibia is mainly in the north — Etosha's surrounds, the Kavango and the Zambezi Region (Caprivi Strip) — and is highest in the warmer, wetter months (around November to June). Central and southern Namibia, including Windhoek and the Sossusvlei dunes, are low or no risk. Antimalarial tablets are advised for the northern areas.
- Northern Namibia (Etosha, Kavango, Zambezi): antimalarial tablets often advised
- Central/south (Windhoek, Sossusvlei): low or no risk
- Use repellent, cover up at dawn and dusk, and use nets where needed
FAQ
Namibia travel vaccines — FAQs
Only if you're arriving from, or have passed through, a country with yellow fever risk — Namibia enforces this strictly, so it catches many multi-country safaris (e.g. via Zambia or Victoria Falls). Direct from the UK it isn't required. We issue the certificate if your trip needs it.
For the northern areas including Etosha and the Zambezi Region, usually yes — especially in the wetter months. Central and southern Namibia are low risk. We'll check your route and timing.
Hepatitis A and keeping Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio up to date, with Typhoid, Rabies and Hepatitis B added depending on your plans, plus malaria tablets for the north.
Ideally 4–6 weeks before travel, but we can help at shorter notice too.
Getting ready for Namibia?
Book a quick consultation at our Timperley clinic near Manchester and we'll sort your vaccinations, certificate and malaria advice for your trip.